The Breadfest Club
When I look back on my journey with The Breadfest Club, it feels like a simple yet meaningful story of discovering joy through baking. Baking has always been close to my heart, a hobby I cherished since I was little. But bread was always a bit of a mystery to me, a challenge that seemed just out of reach. Interestingly, it was my Danish husband who had a natural talent for it, and I often found myself admiring his skills from the sidelines.
Everything changed in 2020, during the pandemic lockdown. Like many, I was searching for comfort and purpose during those uncertain times. This led me to explore the art of sourdough, a small curiosity that quickly grew into something more. I began experimenting with different recipes, and before I knew it, I was creating everything from Filipino bread to Danish specialities and hearty, wholesome loaves. It felt like I had stumbled upon a piece of home—a way to stay connected to both my roots and my husband’s heritage. I started posting my creations on Instagram under the name SoMuchToDough by Rica.
I’ve always known that this passion for baking runs deep in my family. I’m especially grateful to my Grandmother Trinidad, after whom I was named. Though sadly, I never had the chance to meet her, she clearly passed down the baking gene to many of us grandkids, each of us embracing our own style. Her influence serves as a reminder that the joy of baking is deeply embedded in our family—a simple pleasure that connects us all.
In the beginning, I started taking orders and selling my bread. It was rewarding to see others enjoy what I had made, but after a while, the demands of selling started to take away from the joy. That’s when I decided to take a different path—one that felt truer to why I started baking in the first place. I wanted to share this joy with others, not just through bread but through the experience of making it. And so, The Breadfest Club was born in our little village in Bangkok, Nichada Thani. Over two semesters, I had the pleasure of teaching 35 students, each of whom has become a bread baker in their own right.
My approach to teaching is simple: I want to make bread-baking accessible to everyone. Whether it's basic sourdough, more advanced recipes, or everyday yeasted bread, my goal is to take the intimidation out of baking. I believe that bread recipes should fit into your life, not the other way around. It’s about finding a balance between the demands of daily life and the simple joy of baking.
As an expat spouse, life has taught me a lot about adapting to change. Frequent moves and new environments can make it challenging to find stability, but baking has been my constant—a skill I can take with me wherever I go. Creating and teaching The Breadfest Club wasn’t just about finding a new pursuit; it was about finding a way to connect with others and share a part of myself and my cultural background.
One of the most fulfilling parts of this journey has been watching my students grow in confidence and skill. Seeing them take pride in their baking is incredibly rewarding, and it reminds me of why I love baking so much. Bread is more than just food—it’s a way to bring people together, regardless of language or culture, through the shared love of something homemade.
The Breadfest Club is a small but meaningful space where people of all experience levels can come together to learn, share, and enjoy the art of bread-making. For me, it’s a source of quiet joy and pride, a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things can bring the deepest satisfaction.
Stay tuned for more stories about The Breadfest Club in the coming blogs!
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The Breadfest Club does private classes, inquire at info@ricabeck.com
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